Star shrinkage as a great opportunity? The Bundesliga loses its attractions
June 23, 2023, 8:07 p.m
Jude Bellingham and Christopher Nkunku, before that Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski: The Bundesliga is once again losing its big stars. This is a problem, but it can also be an opportunity. And anyway, a new phenomenon is not the star fading.
With Jude Bellingham being sold for 103 million and Christopher Nkunku for 60 million, the Bundesliga is once again witnessing a significant outflow of talent. This follows the departures of Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski to England and Spain respectively. The exodus of these (future) top stars threatens the already declining status of the Bundesliga, according to popular opinion.
“Unfortunately, we have to say that the quality of the Bundesliga has deteriorated in recent years,” said former international Paul Breitner. Lothar Matthäus also expressed his concern, stating that every star is welcome as they make the league more attractive for fans and foreign marketing.
Looking at the potential star selection for the upcoming Bundesliga season, it appears to be quite manageable. The top talents Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, along with other promising players like Randal Kolo Muani, Sadio Mané, Leroy Sané, and Serge Gnabry, provide hope for the league. However, according to transfermarkt.de, only 13 of the 100 most valuable footballers in the world will play in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season, and some of them could still leave.
The effect of the supposedly lavish transfer income from the Premier League has not had a significant impact on the Bundesliga’s competitiveness in international competition. Despite over a billion euros flowing into the Bundesliga since 2015/16, it pales in comparison to the two billion invested by Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour. Even FC Bayern, one of the biggest clubs in Germany, struggles to attract desired players like Haaland.
While the departures of Jadon Sancho and Ousmane Dembele were bearable for clubs and leagues, the potential loss of Haaland or Lewandowski could have a more significant impact. However, the Bundesliga has always regularly lost its most popular players throughout its history. Stars like Netzer, Beckenbauer, Rummenigge, Matthäus, Häßler, Sforza, Ballack, van der Vaart, Dzeko, De Bruyne, Kroos, and many others have left the league. The clubs have always found solutions, relying on skillful and creative scouting.
Complete world stars rarely make their way to the Bundesliga. Influential players like Makaay, Diego, Micoud, Toni, Ribery, Robben, De Bruyne, and Bellingham arrived in the Bundesliga when they were either not interesting for the biggest world clubs or were in a small career slump.
While the loss of big stars is a concern for the Bundesliga, it also presents an opportunity for new talents to emerge and for clubs to showcase their scouting abilities. The Bundesliga has faced similar challenges in the past and has always found ways to overcome them. The tale of decline has always circulated, but the league has proven resilient.
In conclusion, the Bundesliga losing its big stars is undoubtedly a problem, but it can also be seen as an opportunity for new talents to shine. The league has a history of overcoming such challenges and finding solutions. The focus should now be on skillful and creative scouting to continue attracting top talents to the Bundesliga.
How can Bundesliga clubs utilize the financial windfall from star sales to enhance the overall quality of the league?
Rom these star sales cannot be denied. Bundesliga clubs have the opportunity to reinvest the financial windfall wisely and strengthen their squads. This influx of funds can be utilized to attract new talents, develop youth academies, and improve facilities. By doing so, clubs can enhance the overall quality of the league and create a more competitive environment.
Moreover, the departure of big stars can give rise to new, lesser-known players who seize the opportunity to shine. The Bundesliga has a long history of nurturing young talents and providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. This star shrinkage can be seen as a chance for these young players to step up and make a name for themselves, adding new excitement and unpredictability to the league.
In addition, the Bundesliga has always been known for its intense and passionate fan culture. The focus on team spirit and collective effort can prevail over individual star power. This shift in dynamics could rekindle the fans’ enthusiasm and attract supporters who appreciate the essence of true team play.
While the loss of big stars may diminish the immediate star power of the Bundesliga, it also presents an opportunity to reshape and redefine the league. By focusing on strategic investments, nurturing young talents, and fostering a strong team culture, the Bundesliga can regain its allure and cement its position as one of the top football leagues in the world.
In conclusion, while the exodus of big stars from the Bundesliga may raise concerns about its attractions, it also presents a great opportunity for the league to reinvent itself. By investing wisely, promoting young talents, and embracing the strength of team play, the Bundesliga can overcome this star shrinkage and thrive in the global football landscape.
